For seven decades, Temple City Spanish church has been a place of hope for all who have walked through its doors, with members committed to
reflecting Jesus Christ.
While exact details of the church’s organization and important dates throughout the years were not the focus of the anniversary celebration this fall, the history of the church was honored through testimonies of its faithful members.
The main service began Sabbath with a historical video that highlighted countless stories of how different members came to the church because someone—a pastor, a friend, or a family member—shared the gospel with them. Alberto Ingleton, newly elected executive vice president for the Pacific Union, delivered the message imploring the congregation to not just be members of the church, but disciples of God. He revealed that the secret to being a disciple of God is abiding in Him.
Pioneers, families with rooted history in the church, and former pastors were recognized—along with María Arellano, a newly baptized member (the ninth from this year), who was presented with a new Bible and her baptismal certificate. Gustavo Cruz, Temple City Spanish church pastor, shared the story of how Arellano had prayed that if God could take away the pain in her leg that prevented her from going to church in person, she would gratefully give her life to Jesus.
“It’s not only a miracle,” Cruz said on Arellano’s behalf, “but she also wants to extend an invitation for more people to become part of this place, publicly acknowledging and recognizing that Jesus is the one and only Savior.”
Several members shared testimonies of their time at the church. Edwardo Diaz shared about his arrival to Los Angeles in the ’70s and how a member would take him and several others to church with him, which led to Diaz and his wife being baptized. Eric Jordan, another newly baptized member, shared that after many years of behavior he wasn’t proud of, he was ready to put his old ways behind him. His now father-in-law encouraged Eric and his family to get closer to
God, so they found Temple City Spanish church and attended the English Sabbath School classes. After studying with an elder at the church, Eric and his family were baptized. Kendy Sanchez, Temple City Spanish church clerk, shared how serving in the church has helped her to grow closer to God.
“My prayer is that just as this church has been a blessing to my life, it may continue to be a blessing to many young people and to future generations,” Sanchez said. “That here they can use their talents, find a place to serve, and understand that God can do great things with a life willing to say, ‘Lord, here I am, use me.’”